2. Not existing; lacking; as, the part was rudimental or absent.
3. Inattentive to what is passing; absent-minded; preoccupied; as, an absent air. What is commonly called an absent man is commonly either a very weak or a very affected man. Chesterfield.
Syn. — Absent, Abstracted. These words both imply a want of attention to surrounding objects. We speak of a man as absent when his thoughts wander unconsciously from present scenes or topics of discourse; we speak of him as abstracted when his mind (usually for a brief period) is drawn off from present things by some weighty matter for reflection. Absence of mind is usually the result of loose habits of thought; abstraction commonly arises either from engrossing interests and cares, or from unfortunate habits of association.
ABSENT
Ab*sent", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Absented; p. pr. & vb. n. Absenting.]
Etym: [Cf. F. absenter.]
1. To take or withdraw (one's self) to such a distance as to prevent intercourse; — used with the reflexive pronoun. If after due summons any member absents himself, he is to be fined. Addison.
2. To withhold from being present. [Obs.] "Go; for thy stay, not free, absents thee more." Milton.
ABSENTANEOUS
Ab`sen*ta"ne*ous, a. Etym: [LL. absentaneus. See absent]
Defn: Pertaining to absence. [Obs.]
ABSENTATION
Ab`sen*ta"tion, n.
Defn: The act of absenting one's self. Sir W. Hamilton.